Assistant Chief Executive

Location: Croydon
Salary: £151,848 – £157,898
Contract: Fixed Term Contract until December 2026 (with potential extension)

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional and highly experienced leader to join our client as our Assistant Chief Executive. This is a critical, high-profile role at the heart of the organisation, responsible for driving transformation, supporting the council's Renewal Improvement Plan, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, financially sustainable services.

As a key member of the Corporate Management Team, you will work closely with the Chief Executive, Corporate Directors and elected Members to shape the future of the borough, embedding a "One Council" approach and leading significant organisational and cultural change.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Assistant Chief Executive will:

• Provide strategic leadership across a broad portfolio including:
  • Public Health (in partnership with the Director of Public Health)
  • Digital, ICT and cyber security
  • Resident access and customer services
  • Information governance (FOI, SAR, GDPR)
  • Corporate complaints and oversight of Ombudsman/ICO liaison
  • Communications and engagement (internal and external)
  • Human Resources, organisational development and workforce planning
  • Elections, Mayor's Office support, and Coroner's Service support
  • Policy, business intelligence, performance management
  • Programme & project management, resilience and emergency planning
  • Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
  • Service quality, productivity improvement and transformation
• Lead delivery of the Renewal Improvement Plan, ensuring robust programme management and measurable outcomes
• Provide high-quality professional advice to:
  • Leader and Cabinet
  • Scrutiny & Overview Committee
  • Audit, Ethics and other council committees
• Drive the development and implementation of corporate strategies, policies and performance frameworks
• Lead resident-focused service transformation, enhancing digital access and customer experience
• Champion transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across all services
• Oversee significant budgets, ensuring financial sustainability, compliance and value for money
• Lead and inspire a large, multi-disciplinary directorate, with direct line management of senior leaders
• Act as a key partner across local, regional and national networks, including London-wide bodies and voluntary sector organisations
• Play a critical role in emergency planning and response, including Gold command and deputising for the Chief Executive where required

About You

We are looking for a visionary, collaborative and values-driven leader with:

• Proven experience operating at senior executive level within a complex organisation (local government or similar)
• Previous experience working within London at CEO level
• A track record of delivering large-scale transformation and improvement programmes
• Strong political acumen and experience working with Members and governance structures
• Expertise across corporate services including HR, digital, communications, policy or performance
• Financial leadership experience, including managing large budgets and driving savings programmes
• Outstanding leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, influence and develop high-performing teams
• A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• A passion for public service and improving outcomes for residents

Additional Information

• This role is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989
• The postholder must uphold the Nolan Principles of Public Life: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership
• The role requires flexibility, including occasional evenings, weekends, and emergency response duties

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in one of London's most ambitious transformation programmes. You will help shape a financially stable, resident-focused council and make a lasting impact.

Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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